Could councils ask the Government to change the law to make it easier to move Travellers on?
The Government has given the Police very strong powers to move Travellers quickly but only where local authorities have identified alternative sites to which Travellers can be directed. In East Sussex, we are in the process of identifying alternative locations so that we can make best use of the new powers and also so that we can give clear guidance to Travellers on where they can and cannot stay.Following central government guidelines and the terms of our statutory duties, we recognise that Travellers have special accommodation needs and requirements. However uncomfortable the fit with modern living, travelling as a way of life could not be prohibited, even if a government was minded to attempt it. There is a long history, going back hundreds of years, of Travellers residing in, and resorting (travelling through) East Sussex. This is why provision of legal sites is so important.
